Our Valentine's Day

I received an email from a single friend recently which started by telling me how much she couldn't wait for Feb. 14th to be over so her friends would stop trying to find her a husband. It got me thinking about Valentine's day and how everyone views the holiday so differently depending on their stage in life. Cole and Alli have loved all of the festivities this week. They have passed out cards, gone to parties, and eaten tons of candy. Cole made me a heart shaped pin at school and was so so proud to give it to me. HOWEVER, I look on facebook and see all of my single friends complaining about it being the worst day ever. Then I have my military friends who have deployed husbands and Feb. 14th just becomes another huge reminder that they will be going to bed alone- again. One of my best friends got engaged a couple of weeks ago. I'm pretty sure this will be a good Valentine's day for her. I have another friend who is dressing up her daughter and sending her out on a special date with her daddy. Her dad has also been gone for 6 weeks doing training so I think this is a special day for them too. I have had some wonderful Valentine's days, especially after meeting Jim. One year he even surprised me by flying to Dallas from Germany to take me out to dinner. So sweet. But I really think that the best Valentine's days are not the ones filled with romantic dinners or evenings out. They aren't the anti-valentine's night out with your girlfriends although those are pretty fun too. I think the best ones are the ones you get to spend with your young children. They are so sweet and just want to tell everyone they love them. I love the homemade cards and the sweetness in their voices. They were so excited when they woke up this morning and saw the cards and treats we had left out for them. They have spent all morning on a sugar high and decorating the house with hearts. Jim made pink, heart shaped pancakes for breakfast and they called their Mimi to scream, "Happy Valentine's Day!" I think I pretty much have always loved every holiday but I just don't think you can beat watching the excitement in a child on these special days. I know days like today will provide me with so many happy memories for years to come. At least I can cherish these years before they all become teenagers and complain to me about the commercialism and horribleness that is Valentine's day should they find themselves without a boyfriend or girlfriend on Feb. 14th. I'll just wear my little heart pin from Cole and remember this day and how perfect it has been.